Walking your dog can be the best therapy on ‘the most depressing day of the year’
The third Monday of every January is commonly known as ‘Blue Monday’ or ‘the most depressing day of the year’. The long shifts at work, cold sunless days and distance from the last pay check can add up to quite the blue package.
With Blue Monday falling on the 16th of January this year, leading pet insurer petGuard is encouraging all dog owners to get outside with their furry companions as it’s hard to beat a good dog walk when the blues have got you down. “January can often be a challenging month after the festive period and getting outside can seem like a chore especially with the weather often poor”, says Head of petGuard Marketing, Alex Bennett. “Walking your dog however can be a great daily mood booster to counter this”, adds Bennett. To help with the January Blues, petGuard has looked at the therapeutic benefits of dog walking.
While most people are observing the pandemic through the rear-view mirror, the long-term effects of quarantines are only recently being understood. According to the British Medical Association, the steady rise in mental health illness across the country has been clearly exacerbated by the pandemic, with many lacking prompt access to the right services. Although, readily available treatment for symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety can be seen simply through exercise. Decades of research have shown the mental health benefits of physical activity and the NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. So, for dog walkers, it’s almost too easy to get a head start!
But it’s not just us who see the benefits. Research conducted by The Royal Veterinary College has highlighted that over 7% of UK dogs are overweight. Much like in humans, pet obesity is a serious problem, leading to shortened lifespans and health issues like arthritis, heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Whether you're seeking to improve your mental or physical health, it's clear that walking benefits both you and your dog.
“Most of us could benefit from a bit of exercise at the turn of the year and what better way to get moving than by taking our best friends along with us?” Concludes Bennett.
To avoid the blues on this year’s Blue Monday, petGuard has put together a dog walking guide to keep you and your pet happy.
Find the comprehensive guide here: